As organizations of all kinds struggle to keep up with the challenges of digital transformation, they’re also grappling with challenges attracting and retaining diverse talent. The most significant gap is felt in mid to senior level positions, as few meaningful pathways exist for nontraditional talent to enter and advance in high-demand occupations. To be successful on all fronts, apprenticeship programs must go beyond simply hiring diverse talent, and must be grounded in on-the-job learning, comprehensive support, and real-time feedback — all while instilling a true sense of belonging in the workplace. We’ll discuss how apprenticeships, when done right, can be a powerful tool in building a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that stays.
Learning Objectives:
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Priya Ramanathan
VP of Government and Workforce Partnerships
General Assembly
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Priya is the VP of Government and Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, focused on developing innovative public-private partnerships that build accessible pathways to GA’s industry leading digital skills training. Priya began her public sector and workforce development career in New York, working in strategy roles for government and non-profit organizations, including at the NYC Department of Small Business Services and the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Prior to GA, Priya was the VP of Growth and Strategy at Per Scholas, growing national campus operations from eight to 17 campuses and project managing investment initiatives that will allow Per Scholas to grow to 25 campuses and 10,000 learners trained nationally by 2025. Priya began at Per Scholas in 2015 managing its program operations in both the Bronx and Brooklyn. In her work, Priya is committed to lifting up nontraditional educational pathways that are focused on skills of the future and remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remain grossly underrepresented across growing industries, like technology.Priya received her BA at the George Washington University and her Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College.
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Merabeth Martin
COO & President
Interapt Skills
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Merabeth Martin, COO & President of Interapt Skills, is a dedicated community advocate with more than two decades of executive leadership and talent development experience. With deep passion to empower individuals and foster community growth, Merabeth is committed to creating an environment where people feel they belong, the work they do has meaning, and that – at the end of the day – there is a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction.
As COO, Merabeth leverages her expertise to streamline operations, enhance organizational efficiency, and maximize the impact of Interapt’s programs and initiatives. With a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach, Merabeth is committed to building equitable pathways and driving transformative change to create high-impact experiences for clients and partners alike.
Merabeth's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Indiana University with a Master’s degree in human resources & business management. A proud Louisville native, she now calls Jacksonville (FL) home, where she resides with her husband and three children.